Science Experiments

Posts Tagged ‘howto’

Question: SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT help! That potato experiment…?

I wanna do something with like a potato and a sweet potato. Like which one conducts electricity the best? You know that experiment with the potato (or lemon & lime maybe) making something work, but I forgot?

OR JUST GIVING ME A WEBSITE WITH MIDDLE SCHOOL: 8TH GRADE PROJECTS I CAN DO… I only have 12 days. Lol…

Answer: The secret to the potato clock is not in the potato, it’s in the electrodes that are stabbed into the potato. They’re made of different metals that react electrochemically. The potato is only a buffer across which the metals can react at the correct speed to run the clock.

A more interesting project might be “batteries from common household objects.” According to the rules of the thing, you probably have to arrive at a result by experimentation.

Electric Circuit Experiments With Jell-O, Lemons & Potatoes : Electric Circuit Experiments: High Voltage Ethanol in Flames

Question: Would a ammeter work for an experiment that requires a micro-ammeter?

I wanted to do this experiment I found online where you create a simple solar cell in your kitchen. I went and bought the ammeter we need for it (which cost me 40 bucks) but then i realized it requires a micro-ammeter. Would my experiment still work or can u suggest other experiments using an ammeter. It for our eighth grade science fair and I want to win!
I bought it online so it would be pretty hard to exchange it and the experiment expects 50 micro-amps while my ammeter is a 0-50 scale

Answer: It just depends on the range(s) of the ammeter and the current you are expecting from your solar cell. So long as the current from the solar cell is large enough to register on your ammeter then you should be fine.

Root Vegetable Cannon – Kitchen Science

Question: Where do I go to talk to someone about a science invention?

I have an invention that is an awesome Science Experiment For Kids and science fair projects, and also has a use in real life, but not a quite “safe” use as it has a few critical flaws for everyday use. Who would I contact to discuss this invention, and what steps would I take? I’m looking to put it in a science store or places like science museum gift shops.

Answer: You can contact the Patent Office. In order to be granted a patent, I believe you have to “reduce to practice” meaning you have to build one and make it work. There are costs associated with filing for a patent, typically, companies hire Patent Attorneys so bring money. In today’s world, if you really want it protected, you need patents in foreign countries as well and you need to plan to agressively prevent patent infrigement (back to Patent Attorney and bring money).

You may also consider getting a trademark. I do not know the details but I think it is less expensive, does not take as long, I don’t know if you have to build one and make it work or not, but it does not provide as much “intellectual property protection” as a patent.

Third option, keep it a trade secret and capture the market before any competitors have a chance to get in.

If there is a risk of injury to users of your invention, you should also consult an insurance company (once more to the bring money thing).

Good luck

How to Make a Compass : Initial Steps for Making a Compass